Reem Acra

Red carpet-ready gowns in a rainbow of slinky jerseys, embroidered chiffons, and silk shantungs dominated as usual at Reem Acra, but for the customer who may have a few less benefits on her calendar this year, the designer also offered lovely understated blouses and skinny pants. The decision to focus on easy mix-and-match separates is a smart move in this unpredictable economy, and so is her new line of costume bijoux. The elaborately beaded elastic belts and chunky bib necklaces are modeled after pieces in Acra's own personal collection, albeit in faux stones to keep the prices reasonable.